Alice Cooper Guitarist Lands His Dream Gig With Thin Lizzy

08/30/2011.

(RockAAA) Guitarist Damon Johnson has left the Alice Cooper group to join Irish rockers Thin Lizzy.

Former Brother Cane member Johnson fills the guitar slot vacated by Richard Fortus, who returns to Guns N' Roses for the remainder of the year, as that band continues lining up a series of concerts this fall. Damon will be in place for the forthcoming US tour as Lizzy opens for Judas Priest.

"The music of Thin Lizzy is the absolute biggest influence on my entire career," said Johnson. "As a guitarist, songwriter, singer and performer I've been performing Lizzy songs since I started playing in bars in Alabama in 1987. To be even a small footnote on the list of great guitarists that have been in the band over the years is one of the highest accolades of my life. I am honored and beyond excited!!"